• REQUEST FOR SERVICES FROM ISI ABQ

    (International Students Inc. of Albuquerque, NM)
  •                                           ISI Albuquerque Welcomes You!
    International Students Inc. (ISI) is a national Christian service organization made up of trained, culturally-sensitive, American friends, eager for cultural exchange. Most, but not all of our volunteers indentify themselves as Christians. We accept volunteers of all religious beliefs and we serve students of all religious beliefs. We want to provide a positive first impression of the United States & of the city of Albuquerque.   International students of all religions & beliefs are welcome to participate.


    ISI offers all international students and scholars free airport pickup & temporary home-stay service if we receive the completed "Airport Welcome & Temporary Home-stay Request Form" at least one week, before the expected arrival date. If the form is received less then one week before arrival, we will do our best to help you, but it depends on how many other requests we have pending.  

    ATTENTION: Do not fill out this form until you have your travel information finalized.

    All of our services are free.


    What does this ‘Welcome service’ consist of?
    1) Pickup from the Albuquerque International Airport, "SunPort" or Bus/Train Station.
    2) Stay of up to 3 nights with an American family.
    3) Breakfast and Dinner with the host family during the home stay.
    4) Transportation to and from the University of New Mexico (UNM) campus during your home stay.


    How do you sign-up?
    1) When your travel arrangements are completed, fill out the online request form below and submit it. Each student must fill out thier own request form even if you are traveling with others.
    We must receive your request form at least one week or more before your arrival in Albuquerque in order to provide Airport Pickup and Temporary Home stay services for you. If receiving your request less than 1 week, we can often help you, but it's more difficult and not always possible. If your request is delayed because of visa problems, go ahead and submit a request form and we will do what we can to assist you.
    2) You will receive confirmation of receipt of your request form, usually within 24- 48 hours.
    3) You should receive an e-mail from your "American host" at least 2 days before your arrival date.


    Unexpected Delays or Missed Connecting Flights?
    Please call your "American Host" and/or ISI (505) 238-6064 (voice or text) immediately to let them know the situation. Then, if necessary, call again as soon as you are given your new flight schedule.


    Arrival at Albuquerque's Airport:
    1) When you arrive at the Baggage Claim, look for a person holding up a sign with your name on it. This will identify your American Host.
    2) If you have not located your American Host within 30 minutes you can contact ISI at 505-238-6064 (voice or text) If your flight arrives early, please wait at the Baggage Claim area at least 30 minutes after the scheduled arrival time.

  • Personal Information:

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  • Arrival Information:

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  • Services Requested

  • Airport Welcome (AW) - one of our volunteers will pick you up at the airport and then take you to your desired location. 

    Temporary Homestay (THS) - This is a service where you can stay in an American home for up to 3 nights.  Only 3 nights are guaranteed.  if you need more than 3 nights, arrangements will need to be made with the host family and they may not be able to keep you for longer than 3 nights.  After 3 nights you should be prepared to move to a hotel.  During this time, your host will drive you to the University in the morning and pick you up in the evening. They will provide you with a simple morning breakfast and dinner in the evening and a place to sleep.

    Apartment Finding Help (AFH) -We will send you helpful information that you can use to begin your housing search before you leave your country. After you arrive, we can assist you in person during our Welcome Center hours.

    Friendship Partner (FP)- This is a family or individual who will share life with you as a genuine friend. These volunteers help to answer questions about American life, share meals, help with English practice, help with practical needs, and share cultural and social events.  They will get together with you at a time that is convenient for both you and them. They will provide opportunities to meet other Americans, visit their home, and go to special events or holiday celebrations.



  • Education



  • Release of Liability Statement and Hold Harmless Agreement for International Students, Inc. (ISI)

    In appreciation and consideration of ISI affording me the opportunity to participate in events and activities, I agree that I participate in these events/activities solely at my own risk. I waive, release and agree to hold harmless ISI, it's agents, employees and volunteers from any and all property damage, personal injury or other claims of whatever nature made by myself or others related to my participation in these events/activities.(To show agreement, please type your signature in the box below).
  • Apartment Finding Help

  • There are several very important things you need to be aware of before you decide to secure off-campus housing at UNM:

    1. It is highly recommended that all ONE-semester exchange students secure housing in residence halls on campus immediately upon admission.

    2. There is a LIMITED number of suitable, affordable, available units within walking distance (1 mile) of the UNM campus.

    3. Unlike the on-campus residence halls, you should not secure (by paying money before you see it) a unit off-campus before you arrive in Albuquerque.

    4. Most off-campus housing is NOT furnished.

    5. Most off-campus housing requires a signed contract agreeing to pay the rent for 9-12 months (lease=legal document). One-semester (4 months or less) leases are rare.

    6. Most off-campus housing also requires a non-refundable application fee: $25-$80.

    7. Most units also require a deposit fee: $300-$1000 (which is not easy to get refunded)

    8. Average prices per month for a variety of types and sizes of units are: 1 private room in a shared house. $475 + $50 Utilities=(U.) 1 private room with kitchenette and bath (Studio) $520 + $50 U. 1 bedroom apartment (+living room, kitchen, bath) $630 + $50 U. 2 bedroom apartment (+living room, kitchen, 1 bath) $750 + $100 U. 3 bedroom house or apartment (+living room, kitchen, 2 baths) $1200 + $150 Utilities include water, electric, & gas. Cable and internet access are usually $25-50 extra.

    9. Many units do not include laundry facilities.

    10. More modern units are available if you have a car or are willing to ride the city bus (free for students).

    11. All students seeking off-campus housing should plan to arrive at least two weeks before classes begin.

    12. All on-campus residence hall students should try to plan to arrive no more than three days before the residence halls open.

    Please fill out the information below with particulars regarding your housing needs. When your check-in at the UNM-GEO office is completed, come to the ISI Welcome Center (only open during registration weeks) at the Christian Challenge Building (Baptist Student Union=BSU), 401 University Blvd NE to be assigned an ISI apartment finding assistant.

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